File 21/2 'Coal Depot at Koweit' [‎83r] (164/389)

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on tho basis of which the Bushina Depot is worked, wa are directed
to maintain 2-J- years supply in order to be prepared for emergencies
was not sufficiently taken into account. In Bushire owing to the
impracticability of obtaining sufficient accommodation for 7500
tons, the difficulty has to be got over by our receiving our coal
in frequent small consignments; but this is both an expensive ar
rangement to Government and a troublesome one to this Beeidoncy,
and therefore in opening a new Depot where we have plenty of room,
it seemed advisable that an estimate on the 2^ years supply basis
should at any rate be placed before (xovernmant.
Mr. Storrs was accordingly directed to prepare his plans and es-
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timates on the latter basis and this/has done; but the accommodation
has been designed and estimatod for in such a manner*(by providing
7 sheds to hold about 1000 tons each) that the Government of India
can proceed with the project pircemeal as it were according to the
probable requirements of the near future, from time to time.
4, Having regard to the tentative estimates submitted by Major Knox
in 1908, I fear the Government of India may find the present pro-
prosals somewhat formidable, as the cost of the 7 godowns works out
to If 1,43,247/- and the quarters for the coaling establishment to
ft 2,654/-. Total H 3 1,45,900.
On the basis of the rent paid in Bushiro for the accommodation
of 2800 tons coal, viz, if 1715 per annum, the sum which would have
to bo paid for renting accommodation for 7500 tons works out to
4594. By building the Depot now proposed, Government will thus
be saving an amount which represents 3.2 per cent on their capital
outlay of R 5 1,43,247. Regarded as interest on capital outlay, this
may not seem a handsome return, but even with 3 godowns to start
with, more accommodation would be provided than is at present
available at Bushire; and in any case, there should be a consider
able saving in the cost of the landing of coal and the coaling of
ships, as was pointed out by Major i^nox in his letter No. 39 dated
22nd January 1908.
Moreover the buildings will be of a solid and permanent charac
ter and will be valuable evidence of our predominant position in
Koweit.
For these reasons I very much hope that the Government of India
will